Real Madrid 3 Sevilla 0: Zinedine Zidane celebrates perfect first year in charge and are now 38 unbeaten

A brace from James Rodriguez and another strike from Raphael Varane sent them into the Copa del Rey quarter-finals minus the rested Cristiano Ronaldo

By Fred Nathan

4th January 2017,10:36 pm

Updated: 5th January 2017,7:41 am

ZINEDINE ZIDANE celebrated a spectacular first year in charge of Real Madrid as James Rodriguez scored twice to set the European champions firmly on course for the Copa del Rey quarter-finals with a 3-0 last 16, first leg win over Sevilla.

Not even the absence of the rested Cristiano Ronaldo could halt Real’s now 38-game unbeaten run as Rodriguez took full advantage of a rare start by blasting home the opener from outside the box after just 10 minutes.

Goalscorers James Rodriguez and Raphael Varane celebrate together for Real Madrid tonight

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Raphael Varane headed home a second and Rodriguez, who has been linked with a move away from the Bernabeu, proved his worth by adding Real’s third from the penalty spot before half-time.

The margin of Real’s win will be of particular comfort to Zidane with next week’s second leg (January 12) now appearing a formality amidst a hectic schedule that could see Real play 21 times in 11 weeks.

Madrid started a second consecutive home game without any of their first-choice front three as Karim Benzema was left on the bench, Ronaldo rested altogether and Gareth Bale still sidelined by a long-term ankle injury.

James has been linked with a move away from Real, but proved his worth tonight with a brace

However, having enjoyed a rare 17-day break since their last outing in winning the Club World Cup against Japanese champions Kashima Antlers, Real started brightly.

Rodriguez claimed after being overlooked once more during the Club World Cup that he would consider his future in January, but made the most of a rare start with a spectacular opener after just 10 minutes.

Casemiro thundered into a challenge to dispossess Steven N’Zonzi midway inside the Sevilla half and Rodriguez dispatched the loose ball off the inside of the post from outside the area.

Luka Modric then nearly capped a brilliant team move for a second moments later when his overhead kick flew inches wide from Dani Carvajal’s cut-back.

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There is a real togetherness about this Real team whoa are 38 unbeaten

Yet, Sevilla should have gotten themselves firmly back in the tie 11 minutes before half-time when Joaquin Correa was played clean through on goal and after his initial effort was saved by Kiko Casilla, Vicente Iborra sliced wide with the goal gaping.

Instead, Sevilla found themselves 3-0 down at the break as Mariano was adjudged to have pushed Modric inside the area and Rodriguez stepped up to convert from the spot.

Morata fluffed lines from Marcelo’s pinpoint cross with Rodriguez waiting to apply the finish touch for his hat-trick, but Real were happy to settle on their lead, whilst Sevilla appeared to accept that the tie is already now beyond them.

Earlier, Real Sociedad also took a huge step towards the last eight as Willian Jose, Carlos Vela and Mikel Oyarzabal were on target in a 3-1 win over Villarreal.

Second division Alcorcon and Cordoba drew 0-0 in the night’s other tie.

Barcelona continue their defence of the Cup on Thursday when they travel to Athletic Bilbao for the first leg of their last 16 clash.